Changes for marijuana laws?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A proposed bill by one state senator could change how Indiana convicts marijuana users. If the bill is passed, some pot penalties could change drastically.

It's the drug that's been the subject of debate across the country for a few decades now, marijuana.

With several state legislatures across the country mulling over softer laws, it could shock you to know that Indiana in 2013 will be one of those states.

"I thought that you ought to take it one step further and less than 10 grams of marijuana would be a class C-infraction,” Senator Steele said.

In Indiana, that infraction would be similar to a traffic offense; a Class "C" infraction would carry a 500 dollar penalty; no jail time.

Republican state senator Brent Steele is behind the proposed bill. He wants to lessen jail time or reduce it to none at all for certain amounts of the drug.

But right now less than 30 grams of marijuana is class "A" misdemeanor with a 5,000 dollar fine and up to 60 days in jail.

Senator Steele's proposal is less on turning a blind eye to the drug and more on saving the state money.

"I just don't think that very small amounts of marijuana are worth the expense of running them through the cost of the prosecution and they most often will be given a public offender and then if they're found guilty that costs,” Steele said.

Steele's proposal doesn't sit well with Vigo County prosecutor Terry Modesitt.

"So if its just an infraction that means it's like a speeding ticket you could go out and do it ten times and it doesn't get any worse,” Modesitt said.

He feels making an exception for one drug sets a bad precedent for the future of drugs in our area; even if it means saving the state money.

"If we can regulate meth-use and make money off it is that ok?” Modesitt said. “I say no. So we've got to stop making everything a money issue. "

But that debate is still months away when the General Assembly reconvenes next year.